NBA Commissioner Adam Silver addressed the media before Game 1 of the NBA Finals to discuss a number of topics including league parity, the national anthem policy and the controversy surrounding Bryan Colangelo.
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Obi Enechionyia works out with the Grizzlies on Monday afternoon at FedExForum.(Photo: Jim Weber/The Commercial Appeal)Buy Photo

The Grizzlies proved that in 2009 when they used the second overall pick to select center Hasheem Thabeet, who is widely considered a bust.

Sometimes, the best picks come in the second round where Memphis has found its best success. Rookie Dillon Brooks was taken with the 45th overall pick, appeared in all 82 regular-season games (mostly starts) and proved he’s a reliable NBA talent.

Productive NBA rotation players can emerge after most of the league passed on them. Think Golden State’s Draymond Green, who fell to 35. Think Isaiah Thomas, whom Sacramento picked last (60th overall) in the 2011 draft.

The Grizzlies have built a roster that possesses an intriguing talent after having gone undrafted or picked up in the second round.

It will be a process that probably takes more time, but the Grizzlies have a chance to make a splash with their No. 4 and No. 32 overall selections in the June 21 NBA draft.

Here are five second-round picks the Grizzlies could consider grabbing:

Malik Newman, 6-3, Kansas

The workout Monday was put together so the Grizzlies could put Newman to the test. But he hurt his hand about halfway through his audition and ended up in the training room. Still, no player arguably raised his stock more than Newman during the NCAA tournament. The 6-foot-3 sophomore guard averaged more than 22 points during the postseason, including a career-high 32 in an overtime victory against Duke in the Midwest Region final. He averaged 14.2 points, five rebounds and two assists per game last season. Newman is projected as a mid-second rounder. The 21-year-old is Grizzlies general manager Chris Wallace's type of player: from Kansas and athletic with the ability to provide explosive scoring.

Josh Okogie, 6-4, Georgia Tech

Okogie worked out for the Grizzlies last week. Okogie’s measurements at the combine vaulted his stock and solidified his choice to remain in the draft. His 7-foot wingspan projects as an above-average on-ball defender. Length, strength and athleticism normally are assets at the next level. Okogie can score, too. He averaged 18.2 points, 6.3 rebounds and 2.5 assists last season for Georgia Tech.

Melvin Frazier, 6-6, Tulane

He’s an explosive, athletic wing player with a deft jump shot, and he is also effective in transition offense. His physical tools make for an intriguing pick. Frazier’s 7-foot-1 wingspan measured the highest at the combine for a player at 6-foot-6.

De’Anthony Melton, 6-3, USC

Melton didn’t play his sophomore season at USC after a bribery scandal. Federal prosecutors alleged David Elliott, a close family friend of Melton's, received a $5,000 bribe in August to direct the player to use would-be agent Christian Dawkins and financial adviser Munish Sood when he joined the NBA. There is little film of how he has developed after a year of not playing. That means the Grizzlies might try to catch lightning in a bottle based on Melton’s lone college season in 2017. Melton projects to be a defensive-minded combo guard. On offense, Melton is an excellent passer in the pick-and-roll and uses his athleticism well in transition and on cuts to the basket.

Kevin Huerter, 6-7, Maryland

Kevin Huerter reportedly displayed good decision-making and a nice feel for the game during the scrimmage at the NBA draft combine. He’s a tall, lanky and canny offensive player who could serve as a secondary ball-handler while on the floor. Huerter’s 41.7 percent shooting from 3-point range last season is enticing. Teams also are impressed by Huerter’s high basketball IQ.

Tip-in

Wallace confirmed that he will attend a Priority Sports Pro Day in Chicago on Friday to watch Michael Porter Jr. Porter missed most of last season at Missouri because of a back injury. Wallace said he expects to receive Porter’s medical records.